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Robertson handed surprise start, Hodge gets nod for Bledisloe opener

Australia prop Tom Robertson will start for the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks following an injury to Scott Sio.

Sio was initially cleared for Saturday's showdown with New Zealand in Sydney at the start of the week but he has been unable to overcome a shoulder problem.

It means Waratahs prop Robertson – who came off the bench against Ireland in June – will make just his third Test start following Australia's team announcement on Thursday.

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has handed Reece Hodge the number 13 jersey for the blockbuster at ANZ Stadium, the venue where Australia shipped 54 points to world champions New Zealand 12 months ago.